Carbon Markets Regulation Consultant

Introduction:

SoCha is seeking a seasoned Kenyan national as an environmental law, climate change policy, and legislative drafting expert to work closely with the legal and technical team at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry to support the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), regulations, and tools for activation of the carbon markets ecosystem in Kenya. The consultant is expected to work in close consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, USAID, and other stakeholders and development partners.

The Carbon Markets Regulation Consultant will provide expertise, advice, and technical assistance to Kenya’s Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry in the development of Kenya’s carbon markets policy framework and infrastructure, including through programs to help the government of Kenya to harmonize existing and novel initiatives, and to make informed decisions regarding engagement in various parts of the carbon market (e.g. when/how to authorize transactions for reporting under Article 6). Support provided in the development and operationalization of regulations will enable Kenya to activate the identified potential and advance its commitment to scale carbon markets.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities for the Carbon Markets Regulation Consultant will include:

• Draft standard operating procedures for the Designated National Authority (DNA) to guide the approval of new carbon projects.
• Draft regulations on carbon trading, carbon registry, and non-market mechanisms.
• Prepare regulatory impact assessment reports on carbon trading, carbon registry, and non-market mechanisms.
• Draft public participation reports on the carbon trading, carbon registry, and non-market mechanisms regulations.
• Contribute to required memoranda to facilitate consultations and decision-making of policymakers.

Minimum Qualifications and Expertise:

The ideal candidate must have the following qualifications and expertise:

• Post-graduate degree in environmental law, climate change policy, natural resources management, land management, environmental studies, and/or development-related subjects based on the technical requirements of the assignment in Kenya.
• At least fifteen (15) years of experience in successfully managing assessments of similar scope and scale related to climate change policy and the legal framework in Kenya.
• Demonstrated experience in legislative drafting in climate change, environment, and related sectors, for example carbon markets, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) implementation, and experience managing stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated understanding of the UNFCCC Paris Agreement mechanisms on climate change financing and reporting requirements, particularly with regards to markets and non-market mechanisms is a key advantage.
• Proven track record in drafting reports, policy papers, and/or policy briefs, formulating and carrying out evaluations/assessments of national policies and action plans by sharing samples of similar work.

Additionally, the candidate should have the following skills:

• Gravitas: Demonstrate the ability to interact with the highest levels of Ministry and other government officials, commanding respect and credibility.
• Diplomacy: Demonstrate tact, sensitivity, and emotional intelligence with superior negotiation skills to interact with the highest levels of government and the donor community.
• Advocacy: Demonstrate the ability to make persuasive presentations and enhance strengthening of partnerships and building collaborative relationships between the Ministry, SAGAs, and other significant stakeholders.
• Relationship Building: Establish credibility and earn the trust of those they work with in support of successful outcomes.
• Communication: Ability to effectively organize and present data to various audiences using a multitude of media channels. Additionally, the ability to speak and write persuasively to various audiences is valuable.
• Teamwork: Ability to work closely with the Ministry, government entities, the donor community, and stakeholders toward a common purpose, shared goals, and objectives
• Effective Management of Complexity and Ambiguity: Demonstrated ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and diplomacy in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Research: Ability to conduct information gathering and operational research, and synthesize evidence from the data.
• Personality: Ability to maintain a calm demeanor and keep the team focused and productive when under pressure.
• Remote Working: Ability to effectively work virtually, and conversant with virtual meeting apps (e.g. Zoom, Google Meet, etc.).

Location:

Nairobi, Kenya.

Period of Performance:

June 2024 – May 2025